Lawmaker doesn't want families helping suspects

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- At least one Wisconsin lawmaker wants to make it a felony for family members of criminal suspects to help their relatives.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports about a dozen other states have exceptions for family harboring relatives. But Wisconsin law exempts more relatives and permits them to do more to thwart law enforcement.

Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon, is circulating a draft of a bill. He wants to make it a felony for anyone, including family, to help or hide a fugitive or destroy evidence in cases of the most serious crimes.

The period to add co-sponsors closes July 16. It's unclear which committee will take the bill once it is introduced. A hearing is possible later this summer.

Different versions of the bill have repeatedly failed in past sessions.

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